Chapter 237

Chapter 237
Stella's POV

The first snow of autumn dusts the Glacier Clan longhouse, clinging to the carved wooden beams like powdered sugar. Inside, the air is warm with the scent of pine and roasting venison, and the sound of Njal's gurgles fills the hall. At two months old, our son already has a grip like a vice—his tiny fingers wrap around my braid as I bounce him on my knee, his storm magic flickering in playful sparks around his knuckles.

Kai sits beside me, cleaning his sword with a rag. The silver veins that once marred his skin—lingering from Damon's nanite attack—have faded to faint lines, barely visible in the firelight. My own arms, once laced with the telltale marks of silver rot, now glow with health, the edelweiss remedies and Njal's birth seeming to have purged the last of the disease.

"Look at him," Kai murmurs, sheathing his sword. "He's already stronger."

Njal chooses that moment to let out a delighted shriek, and a miniature whirlwind lifts the fur blanket from my lap, sending it fluttering to the floor. I laugh, scooping him up before he can summon a snowstorm inside the longhouse.

"He takes after his mother," Kai says, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Stubborn, powerful, and utterly beautiful."

I roll my eyes, but my heart flutters at his words. The past months have been a blur of healing and hope. After Damon's defeat, the federation has thrived. Frostfang and Glacier clans merged first, their longhouses connected by a network of snow tunnels. Now, Bloodmire and Rimefang are in talks to share hunting grounds, their alphas sitting together at council meetings without the usual growling.

Ataq has taken to spoiling Njal rotten, carving him tiny wooden swords and telling him stories of ancient battles. Kaya, recovered from her shoulder wound, spends hours teaching me the healing arts, her hands steady.

But the best news of all arrived last week: Freya and Gunnar had finally admitted their feelings for each other.

The wedding is a grand affair, held in a massive ice hall built by Rimefang's finest craftsmen. The walls are carved with intricate designs of wolves running under the moon, and torches cast a warm glow on the ice, making it shimmer like diamonds. Freya stands at the altar, her armor polished to a shine and adorned with delicate snowflake pendants. Gunnar, usually so gruff, looks positively smitten, his hand never leaving Freya's as they exchange vows.

As the feast begins, Freya—now in a flowing fur gown—comes to our table, her cheeks flushed with happiness. She bends down to tickle Njal's chin, and he responds with a giggle, sending a spray of tiny ice crystals into the air.

"He's getting more powerful by the day," Freya says, smiling. "Soon he'll be creating blizzards on command."

I beam, proud of my son. "He keeps us on our toes, that's for sure."

Gunnar claps Kai on the back. "You'll have your hands full with this one. Good thing you've got a strong mate to help you."

Kai wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "I couldn't ask for a better partner."

Freya settles into the chair beside me, sipping from a horn of mead. "So, when are you two going to set a date for the coronation? The clans are eager to see you both officially named King and Queen of the Federation."

I exchange a glance with Kai. We've been so focused on healing and raising Njal that we haven't given the coronation much thought. But Freya is right—the time is coming.

Kai clears his throat. "We were thinking of waiting until Njal is a bit older, but maybe it's time to start planning. After all, the federation needs a symbol of unity."

Freya's eyes light up. "Oh, I have so many ideas! The ceremony should be at the Ice Lake, of course, to honor the place where Damon fell and Njal was born. We could have a great feast, and all the clans could send representatives—"

I laugh, interrupting her. "Slow down, Freya. We have time."

But inside, I'm excited. The coronation will be more than just a ceremony—it will be a declaration to the world that the werewolf federation is here to stay, stronger than ever before.

Njal coos, reaching out for Freya's hair. She obliges, letting him grab a lock, and he rewards her with a shower of tiny green sparks.

"See?" Freya says, grinning. "Even he's excited."

I look at my son, at his bright eyes and playful magic, and then at Kai, who is watching me with so much love in his eyes that it takes my breath away. Around us, the longhouse is filled with laughter and the clinking of horns, our people united and happy.

Damon's defeat feels like a lifetime ago, and the scars—both physical and emotional—are healing. We've built something incredible here, a federation based on unity and respect, not fear and domination.

Kai takes my hand, squeezing it gently. "We did it, star. We built a home."

I nod, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "Yes, we did. And now, we get to watch it grow."

Freya raises her horn. "To the future! To the federation! And to the storm prince who will one day lead us!"

"To the future!" everyone cheers, raising their horns.

Njal lets out a happy shout, his storm magic flaring brightly, as if he too is celebrating. I hold him close, feeling the warmth of his body and the power of his magic, and I know that whatever the future holds, we'll face it together—strong, united, and full of hope.

The feast continues late into the night, filled with laughter, stories, and the promise of a bright tomorrow. As I watch Freya and Gunnar dance, their love for each other evident in every movement, and listen to Ataq tell Njal yet another exaggerated tale, I feel a deep sense of peace settle over me.

We've come so far from the days of war and division. Now, we have a future to look forward to—a future where our son can grow up in a world of peace and unity, where the mistakes of the past are lessons, not burdens.

Kai leans over, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. "I love you," he whispers.

"I love you too," I reply, smiling.

And as I look around at the people we've brought together, at the family we've created, I know that this is just the beginning. The coronation will be a new chapter in our story, one that Njal will one day look back on as the moment his parents truly became the leaders of a united people.

For now, though, I'm content to hold my son, love my mate, and celebrate the happiness of my friends. The future is bright, and I can't wait to see what it holds.